stung by a wasp

[tinosmiki]

my wife jest got stung by a wasp, what to do? thank you

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

It is important to know if your wife has any allergies  to insects such as wasps. Most people stung by a wasp will have only swelling, itching, and pain at the site of the sting. However, for those allergic to wasps, difficulty in breathing, loss of consciousness, swelling of the throat, face and lips may occur.

Remove the stinger by scraping a blunt object over the area. Do not use tweezers, since these may squeeze the venom sac and increase the amount of venom released. Place ice wrapped in a washcloth on the site of the sting for 10 minutes. If there is an allergic reaction it is important that she is examined by a doctor immediately.

For ordinary stings, symptoms are likely to go away completely within a week. Take care and regards.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
A bee or wasp sting can cause a skin reaction with redness, swelling, itching, and pain.

You can give your wife over the counter antihistaminic like benadryl or Claritin.It will help in relieving the itching.If there is any pain involved,then pls give over the counter pain reliever like Ibuprofen(advil).She can also apply a mild hydracortisone cream like dermacort on the site of the sting.Severe cases may need oral steroids.Alsp check her tetanus booster dose.If it is more than 10 years since the last tetanus booster,then pls get her a tetanus toxoid shot.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.